“That has sort of infused a new level excitement in my life,” Paul said about getting behind the camera. “You have to really try not to be a narcissist. You have to be objective enough to say, ‘OK, I’m going to move on. I’m not going to do that take again because I didn’t like how my hair was off in one angle.’”

He added, “It’s funny, people think the director is the leadership role, but I needed [the actors] so badly. I needed them as much as they needed me. I needed them to be there and nail their performances. And they all came in, knew their lines, and nailed it for me. I was so impressed. There was a little bit of hazing and I was entirely expecting that. But they were much more respectful than I would have imagined, or I would have been to them (laughs).”

In case you missed it, check out exclusive pics of Stefan and Elena from the episode, which airs Thursday, April 17 @ 8PM on The CW!